State Rep. from Butler calls out Pirates for mediocrity
If you’re frustrated with the Pittsburgh Pirates’ losing ways over the past three decades, you’re not alone, as state Rep. Tim Bonner, R-17th, shares your frustration.
Bonner, along with fellow Rep. Jim Gregory, R-80th, released a statement criticizing the Pirates organization for their lack of positive economic impact to the state of Pennsylvania.
This comes on the heels of a report from Pennsylvania’s Independent Financial Office comparing the financial impacts of the Pirates and Pennsylvania’s other Major League team, the Philadelphia Phillies, to their respective cities.
In multiple metrics, the Pirates were found to have driven less annual spending and tax revenue and supported fewer jobs than the Phillies, who currently hold the best record in baseball at 60-32.
The statement also pointed out that the Pirates have spent less money on free agency than any other major league team, which has contributed to them having the worst win-loss record of any team in the last 30 years. The Pirates have not finished with a winning record since 2018 and have not made the playoffs since 2015.
“It is past time for the Pirates to become more competitive,” the statement reads. “Pirates’ ownership has seen the value of the team explode to $1.32 billion according to Forbes Magazine. Revenue sharing among the teams and from television partners has greatly increased the Pirates’ profit margins. Yet, the Pirates’ payroll regularly ranks in the bottom five in baseball.”
The Pirates’ lease at PNC Park, which opened in 2001, expires in 2030. The stadium was built with the help of $147 million in tax revenue from Allegheny County.
“If the taxpayers are going to put money into the stadium, the Pirates need to also invest in PNC Park, as well as put a worthy product on the field,” said Bonner. “Taxpayers deserve more than the bare minimum, and the report demonstrates how sustained on-field success can increase fan attendance, which is how a stadium drives the local economy.”
The Pirates currently sit at 45-48 in the National League Central division, 8.5 games behind the first-place Milwaukee Brewers.
The team has been owned by businessman Robert Nutting since 2007. Nutting also serves as CEO.
